Thursday, August 25, 2011

Galley Proofs are Done!

The past week has been so busy for me! First of all, I got my galley proofs for COVETED! It was so wonderful to see my book in the format that readers would see it when my book is released. I had to do a final read to make sure all my werewolves, goblins, and dark elves were lined up and behaving right. In the meantime, I'm wrapping up work on KEPT, the second book in the series.

Even though there are several months until my book comes out in 2012, a lot still needs to happen. (In particular, I need to mentally prepare for the madness to come.)

What's in the pipeline:

Promotion, promotion, promotion

Cover reveal

Advance reader copies

Book launch contests

As well as some other geekery yet to come!

I'm also excited since next weekend, Labor Day weekend, I'll be at Dragon*Con in Atlanta! In particular, I'll be participating in a panel for the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Literature track called "What's Coming from Del Rey/Spectra." Not only do I get to experience my first Dragon*Con, but I get to talk about my upcoming book and reveal the cover art to those in attendance. And no, the cover art hasn't been shown anywhere else so any attendees will get to see it first. :D

Due to my busy schedule, it's been quiet on my blog, but to celebrate completing my galleys I'd like to have a giveaway. A rather nice one! To one of my lucky commenters, I'm giving away all three of Kevin Hearne's books from the Iron Druid series so far: HOUNDED, HEXED, AND HAMMERED. The books are amazing and I'd love to further share their awesomeness with someone. Book 4 is coming out in April 2012! ;)

No need to leave a deep and meaningful post, but if you've attended DragonCon before I'd love any tips! :D So just leave a comment and I'll pick a winner next Thursday.

It's been a while since I've been to DC, but it is one of the best cons. So much going on, so many people to see, so many great costumes! Best of all, a great city, too. Enjoy the con and don't get lost in the dealer's room!

I've never been to a convention. I've always wanted to go but I don't have a lot of friends who are fans of the same kind of books that I enjoy so no companions and tight budgets have always kept me away. It is on my bucket list to visit at least one before I go though!

I hope your first is fabulous! And what a terrific giveaway! Thank you!

I've never been to Dragon Con, but I have had a book published and gone to a big publishing tradeshow signing. My advice to you is to just groove on the experience. It was one of the very few times in my life when I felt like a rock star. I am a writer, ghostwriter and writing coach and there is nothing quite like getting out from behind the computer and talking with an adoring public. Hope it goes well with you, and I LOVE Kevin Hearne. I look forward to reading your work when it is released.

This looks like a great new series to read. I didn't know about DragonCon until very recently and its sounds cool. I have a universal tip that can apply everywhere, bring a positive attitude! Have fun!

1.) If you need an elevator, get on the first available going up or down or you will wait forever.2.) Carry a drink/snacks because the hotel commissary is expensive, or visit the attached mall to buy snacks.3.) Make sure your badge is secure at all times. As an author, they may have your schedule on the back of the badge.4.) Carry a packet of facial tissue in case you get stuck in a bathroom stall that is out.5.) Watch out for costumers carrying props or wearing wings/tails. They sometimes forget to check before turning around.6.) Don't take pictures of celebrities unless you are in a designated area or have their permission. There should be something about this in your handouts.

Above all, have fun and remember--sleep is highly overrated!

P.S.--I will add that I'd love the Kevin Hearne books for my library. I'm a public library branch manager, and he's on my wish list.

I've heard so many awesome things about these books, and I look forward to reading them soon. :-) I don't know if I'm eligible to win them, though, since I live in Sweden.

And since I live in Sweden, I've never been to Dragon*Con. It's on my list of things I want to do at some point, but who knows? This year I was so jealous of everyone going because Stacia Kane was going too. Then, unfortunately, Stacia had to cancel, which is of course sad for her and those who'd wanted to meet her. But I feel better about not being able to go. ;-)

About Shawntelle

I'm a web developer that tries to write in between adding lines of code. I write urban fantasy as well as dark futuristic fantasy. I'm represented by Jim McCarthy with Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.

My urban fantasy series, called Coveted, is available now. You can check out the first two books COVETED and Kept.